Haymarket Pub & Brewery

A visit to Chicago's historic meat-packing district at any time is, in and of itself, a bit of an adventure. The area has certainly seen enough transitions to bring in the hip and happening in recent years. However the best reason to visit, outside of the odd chop factory still in operation, is the Haymarket. This is beer and food done right. From the Mother Jones Abbey Style Dubbel to the Last Chance Belgian I.P.A., these are beers of distinction. Toss in the best soft pretzels in the Midwest, the famed chocolate stout cake—with bacon—and a brilliant casual atmosphere, and you've got a good place to go for a drink.